July 2013 Newsletter

July 2013 Newsletter

 

 

I wanted to update everyone on the status of our transition and discernment process as we search for a new rector here at Nativity/St Stephen.  The Vestry met with Bill Graffius, Canon for Congregational Transition and Development for the Diocese, on June 5.  Bill covered all aspects of the transition process with the vestry and did a great job of answering all the questions that many of us had on the process.

 

He pointed out that the first two things we need to decide are whether we want to contract with a full-time interim priest as we go through the discernment process or work with supply priests on a week by week basis?  The second item would be putting together a discernment committee to begin the process of looking for a new rector.

 

At our June 19 meeting the Vestry did vote in favor of hiring a full-time interim priest for a 1 year time period.  The Diocese will forward resumes to the Vestry for review and we will be interviewing candidates for this position.  Until we actually hire an interim we will be utilizing supply priests or having morning prayer.

 

We also made some pretty good progress on putting together a discernment committee.  It was decide that the committee would consist of 6 members.  we have had a few folks step up to the plate and volunteer to serve on the committee and will be be asking a few others to round out the committee.  As we get confirmation on all members I will send an email to let everyone know who the discernment committee members will be.

 

As many of you know, Rita, our parish secretary will also be leaving at the end of September.  Vestry moved forward with placing an ad in the local newspapers to find candidates for this position as well.  Ideally we would like to have someone in place about a month before Rita leaves so the new person can work and train with her for a few weeks. If you know of anyone who would be interested in applying for this position please have them forward a resume to the church office.

 

I will continue to give updates on the interim and discernment process each month in my Senior Warden's Corner in the newsletter.  If anything develops in between newsletters either Sue Beamer or I will communicate that to everyone via the parish email list and make a brief comment during announcements at church on Sunday morning.

 

Thanks so much to everyone for your dedication, love and support of Nativity.  As we move forward in our transition process please keep the Vestry in your prayers, as we will be keeping all of you in our prayers as well.

 

God's Peace.

 

Todd S.

 

 

 

 

 

We feed the kids the week of July 1st thru July 5^th  at St. Barnabas Summer Rainbow program and will welcome your contributions of food and time.  It is a rewarding ministry to support this Christian Day Camp at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Harrisburg where this program gives a healthy structure and educational experiences to the daily lives of kids who are our neighbors!  Contact Wendy if you would like to help.

 

 

ONCE AGAIN – A BIG THANK YOU   to all who contribute to the successful Parish Picnic!  To Edna and Bob B., Andrea and Kerry J. who provided the Landis Farm, a place of such great beauty and peace, for us to gather in and fine food brought by all of you.

 

 

Thanks again to our delegates, Bill & Wendy D. and our alternate, Todd S., for their input about diocesan convention held in June.  Great job!

 

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

 

Jot them down on a piece of paper and place them in the box at the rear of the church.  No need to sign them.  We'll share these ideas in the future.